Valentine doesn’t anticipate getting much help from the minor leagues, either. He said maybe “one or two” players will be called up from International League playoff champion Pawtucket after that club’s season ends Tuesday in the Triple-A National Championship Game. Boston recalled three players from the PawSox after major league rosters expanded on Sept. 1.

The Red Sox began play Friday in last place in the American League East with a 64-80 record. They are on pace for their worst season in 20 years.